It’s game day. There’s five minutes and thirteen seconds left in the third quarter and your team is down by three. You take a gulp of your beer and set it down, only to hear the high pitched “cling”. The sound of an empty beer can hitting a table leaves you feeling sad, abandoned and hungry. Trying not to show your panic, you pick up the phone and calmly call District 22 Pizza where you order a pizza and six pack craft beer for delivery. Your panic is gone.

District 22 Pizza is a new restaurant in New Albany specializing in New York style pizza and craft beer. The establishment opened next to Big Four Burgers on August 30th and offers pizza by the slice for convenient carryout or dine-in. They also offer their beer and wine to-go, something most restaurants have yet to offer.

Owner Matt McMahan was unsure of the legality of pizza delivery with beer before he discovered a place in Indianapolis called Scott’s Brewhouse. After making a few phone calls and obtaining a liquor license, District 22 Pizza was born.

“A couple years ago, I saw a company in Indy delivering beer and pizza, and I thought it was the best idea ever,” McMahan said. “I didn’t re-invent anything, I just sent a direct message to the owner and he told me everything I needed to know.”

The concept was created, but the only thing missing was the location. McMahan wanted to place the restaurant closer to IU Southeast near the student dorms and new apartments on Grant Line Road, but he had the spot picked out when the idea was sparked.

Owner of both Big Four Burger locations, McMahan placed the restaurant next to the new Albany Big Four Burgers. The two buildings connect, allowing for shared kitchens and pizza to be served on Big Fours menu. McMahan then transformed the empty building into a newly renovated pizza place.

Unknown to most, District 22 Pizza was served at Big Four Burgers for a short period of time. The goal was to see how well the New York style meal would do.

“We have been test trialing and baking pizzas in Big Four’s kitchen for a while,” McMahan said. “We did have a limited menu about a month ago in Big Four so we could get feedback from the people.”

The original plan was for the joint to be carryout and delivery only with no dine-in option. The hope was to have the food service under District 22, but to be dine-in next door at Big Four. That plan was tossed when McMahan discovered the restaurant license they obtained allowed for carryout and delivery, but requires at least 25 seats in the physical location.

“We didn’t plan on having much seating inside, but because of the license we got, the restaurant is more of a fast-casual place,” said McMahan. “So you order and pay at the counter, get your own cup and fill your own drink with no servers.”

Separating them from liquor stores is delivery and their specialty craft beer imported from all over. They carry beers like Gumballhead and Zombie Dust from Munster, Indiana.

“Our first week open, we were saving a six pack of Zombie Dust, which is unheard of for someone to be able to get a case of and we were retailing it for $14.99,” said McMahan. “If you were to go to a restaurant, it would be around $7 for a bottle.”

The idea for this is to offer their customers a wide selection of beer at a low cost. It is something that separates the company from chain pizza deliveries like Papa Johns and Dominos pizza.

“When I ordered over the phone for the first time, I had no idea I was able to get a beer delivered with my pizza,” said community member Maryna Skrypnyuk. “It is such a cool concept.”

Only a few weeks old, the restaurant is bustling with customers from all over Kentuckiana. Neighbor works, businesses across the river, families and students visit for one of the many pizzas offered.

According to McMahan, the restaurant targets beer drinkers from all around. The he goal is not to be a beer delivery company delivering 10 cases to a college football game. The idea is to reach the 30 to 40 year olds with a few kids that call in wanting to enjoy a little pizza and a craft beer with the family.